The Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland Willie O’Reilly today strongly welcomed the increase in the Sound and Vision fund announced by Minister Eamon Ryan.
“Independent producers are an exciting, talented and cutting edge part of broadcasting. Their inputs are a highly valuable part of quality Irish broadcasting. The announcement to increase the fund available to them gives increased certainty to independent producers and more opportunity to very talented people”, he said.
“The increase agreed at Committee Stage of the Broadcasting Bill of funding from 5% to 7% of net receipts from the television licence fee combined with the increase in the RTE statutory independent production spend to €40 m will translate into better Irish programming. This is good for programming and good for Irish audiences”.
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About the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland
The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) is the representative body for Ireland’s independent commercial radio broadcasters. The mission of the IBI is to champion the agenda of independent broadcasters in Ireland and to be a distinct and coherent national voice in the ongoing campaign for competitive equality across the sector.
The independent voice of Ireland, over 63% of the population tune into independent radio on a daily basis. This translates into weekday figures of 2,296 million listeners. With more than 1500 people employed in the sector, independent broadcasters make a significant economic, social and cultural contribution to the Irish economy. The IBI represents 2 national radio stations, 4 regional radio stations and 27 local radio stations.
For more information please visit: www.ibireland.ie
Press Contact
Lisa Ní Choisdealbha, IBI, 01 5006616
Laurie Mannix, MKC Communications 01 703 8620
